Pennsbury, Hatboro-Horsham Clash For State Title

Less than two weeks ago, Pennsbury and Hatboro-Horsham met for the SOL District Title versus Hatboro-Horsham prevailed 8-5 in an eight-inning thriller, but this time, everything’s on the line. 

“It’s pretty cool that we’re playing them again," Falcons coach Frank McSherry said. "It’s pretty cool that both teams come from our league."

Although the game went into extra innings, Pennsbury felt like they let the District Title slip away. They committed six errors.

McSherry explained what the Falcons must do this time around.

“We just need to play better than we did last time. We had one of our worst games, and hopefully we’ll have one of our best games because they’re a really good team.”

To get to the Championship Game, Pennsbury had to get by Latrobe in the semifinals.

Latrobe’s ace hurler Alexa Larkin struck out the first five Falcon hitters, and Latrobe led 1-0 after the first frame. Coming into the contest, Larkin racked up an astonishing 71 strikeouts over 38 playoff innings.

“They really bounced back after things looked pretty bleak,” McSherry said.

Pennsbury went on and made the proper in-game changes.

“The kids made some adjustments at the plate and put the ball in play. We forced them to make some plays and fortunately for us, they didn’t make all of the plays they needed to,” McSherry said.

Aided by a four-run sixth inning, the Falcons went on to defeat Latrobe 7-4.

In the other state semifinal, the Hatters shutout Neshaminy 2-0.

The State Title game takes place Friday at Penn State with the first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m.

The Falcons are looking for their first State Championship since 2007.